Spokane Empire look for defining victory at Arizona

Saturday’s road game against the Arizona Rattlers is a statement game for the Spokane Empire.

“I think we just need to set the tone for the league,” said Empire linebacker Pasquale Vacchio, citing the importance of playing Arizona (4-3, 3-3). “A lot of the league thinks we are just beating Colorado and Salt Lake. I think this is a big game in terms of reputation.

“We know who we are, but the whole league is going to find out on Saturday.”

The league’s “they haven’t beaten anyone” sentiment surrounds the Empire (5-2, 4-1). A win against Arizona would be a signature moment on the Empire’s schedule. Spokane does not boast a win against a team with a winning record this season.

Arizona and Spokane have a history. The teams met frequently when Spokane played in the Arena Football League as the Shock. The Rattlers, playing in their first IFL season, made 21 appearance in the AFL playoffs and won the ArenaBowl five times.

“When you play the Arizona Rattlers, you play a branded team,” said Empire head coach Adam Shackleford, who expects a high turnout at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

The Rattlers have won two straight and four of their last five after starting the season 0-2.

“On film, they’re probably the most athletic team I think we’ve seen,” Shackleford said. “They have some young guys in spots and some veterans as well. I expect it to be a real tough game.”

Fischer could return

The prognosis for Spokane center Kyle Fischer’s injured right knee is better than expected.

Even though Shackleford didn’t expect Fischer to return this season, new information provides the coaching staff hope slide back into the lineup. He is on the short-term injured reserve list.